Wander the world with Georgette and her magical friends in this tender and hopeful fantasy story from award-winning author, Alison Levy. Magic by Any Other Name: The Witch’s Odyssey (Nov 7, 2023, SparkPress) follows one young witch’s difficult decision to leave her toxic family and seek a better life for herself. With the help from a diverse group of magical creatures, Georgette confronts the demons of her past in order to pave a way for a brighter future.

CIBA-winning author of the Daemon Collecting series, Alison Levy returns with a new whimsical and cozy  fantasy series taking readers on an enchanting exploration of the world and within yourself. Loosely based on the heartbreaking yet empowering family decisions Alison made for herself, Georgette’s story will resonate with young readers choosing “no contact” and creating their own found families.

Ivy Nichols O’Reilly has grown up in a wealthy family full of magic, fantasy creatures, and emotional abuse. When her narcissistic mother arranges an unwanted marriage for her, Ivy decides to leave her life of privilege behind and flees across the country with her best friend, a Wood Nymph named Mei-Xing. Along the way, she encounters a number of different magical creatures all on their own journey of purpose. But in order to grow into her new identity, help her new friends, and develop a healthy relationship with a man she’s beginning to care for, Georgette will have to confront the privileges that have shielded her from the pain and ugliness of the magic community in which she was raised—and find the strength to overcome the trauma of her childhood. Perfect for fans of The Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Excerpt

The spell Georgette chanted filled the house like water, muffling sound and distorting sight as if she sat on the bottom of a swimming pool. The magic she’d gathered was nearly ready, but it was also oppressive. The weight of it pressed against her skin, relentlessly hugging every inch of her body until it was hard to breathe. If she had to chant much longer, the spell might crush her lungs—but if she missed even a single beat, the magic would dissipate, and all her work would be for nothing. 

So, lightheaded and nauseated, she carried on. 

Every muscle in her body ached, but she was so close. Another few minutes, maybe even less than that, and the house would be full from foundation to rooftop. Then all she had to do was recite the final incantation. I’ve got this, I’ve got this, I’ve got this. 

Oh, indeed! chuckled a voice in her head. Can’t you feel how drained you are? That’s what happens when you work above your skill level. Honestly, the voice scoffed, what made you think you could handle a spell this size? You’re embarrassing yourself. God, how did such a weakling come from me? 

Her mother’s judgmental comments, even when they were only in her head, always sent a painful sizzle through Georgette’s nerve endings. At every other time in her life before now, it would have been enough to break her concentration entirely. But she wasn’t that girl anymore. 

She plunged ahead with her spell, determined to finish what she’d started.

Magic By Any Other Name is out today! You can order your copy on Bookshop.org